Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this chili with baked beans recipe! This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening, a weekend gathering, or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It combines the rich, savory depths of classic chili with the sweet and tangy goodness of baked beans, creating a culinary masterpiece that's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its best! This recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chili, making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can baked beans in a sauce of your choice (BBQ, brown sugar, etc.)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add the vegetables and spices: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, baked beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
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Simmer the chili: Pour in the beef broth or water, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become. This slow cooking process is key to achieving a truly delicious and easy recipe.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your chili hot, topped with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- For a deeper flavor: Consider browning the beef in batches to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 15 minutes of cooking time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water towards the end of cooking.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 (15-ounce) can of vegetarian chili beans.
Variations:
- White Chicken Chili: Swap the ground beef for cooked chicken breast and add a can of white beans (such as cannellini beans or great northern beans).
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the meat entirely and use additional vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots.
- Spicy Chili: Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
This chili with baked beans recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal option, and an excellent example of satisfying homemade cooking. Enjoy!